Mink Engine are at it again

In a rapidly changing musical environment, the resilience and adaptability of some artists is really starting to shine through. Melbourne electro-pop duo Mink Engine is one such act, choosing to create new trends rather than follow old and outdated rules. From their inception it has always been about “music and video that’s made for each other”, which they produce in their signature hyper maximal style.

Fully embracing the multi-media age we are now living in, comes the first two singles ‘Superpad’ & ‘Dick Chicken’ from Mink Engines new album ‘Acres Of Diamonds’.

That’s right, two singles – the band have decided to package their first instalment as a double A-side (think The Beatles release of ‘Yellow Submarine’/ ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and Queen's 'We Will Rock You’/ ‘We Are the Champions’) with ‘Superpad’ and ‘Dick Chicken’.

‘Superpad’ showcases Askii’s love of synths. The track seems about to burst with crunchy leads and synthetic strings, and lets the music set the agenda rather than the vocals taking the limelight. Mink Engine combine a sizzling array of beats and riffs to make a super-saturated monster that has proven itself to be a dancefloor favourite from Melbourne to Shanghai to Tokyo, from London to Berlin and beyond.

And ladled in giant spoonfuls from their continually simmering hotpot of audio-vision comes the video clip to ‘Superpad’. Band members Touch Me Tiger and Askii (starring as leaders of competing dance gangs, recruiting and training their dance elite) challenge each other to a battle-style dance off. As you can imagine, total chaos ensues with the help of a very talented choreographer and teams of dancers in outfits that make Lady Ga Ga look conservative. The clip is a colourful and psychedelic portrayal of the parallel universe that Mink Engine inhabits.

And on the flipside, ‘Dick Chicken’ is an MA rated deep-fried morality tale. An overlooked and well-endowed Superstar Drumstick named Dick Chicken - after having been thrown in the scrap heap – rises up from his rejection and achieves success, fame and fortune. Taking a dark and twisted turn on his way to the top you’ll have to watch the video to see how it turns out! Perfect for late viewing when the kiddies have gone to bed…

Chere out Dick Chicken testimonials from musicians and DJs - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi4JqgfNnEc (there are also more below!)

Dick Chicken’ also has his own website! http://www.dickchicken.com

But here is the inside scoop sitting down with Askii and Touch My Tiger (TMT)...

Tell us about the first time you were really inspired by music?
Askii: Hearing music made by synthesisers, like Wendy Carlos, Jean-Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk. Then I heard Herbie Hancock's RockIt and I became obsessed with drum machines.
TMT: If I was being honest about this I would say it was The Smurfs Album. I had a mini cassette player that I would put in my basket on my BMX, and ride around the neighbourhood singing 'Pink toothbrush'. My brothers called me "Powderpuff with Rockets in Her Socks". I still know every word of 'Pink Tooth Brush'!!! Later on it was The Velvet Underground, their synthesis of music and art was a very exciting concept.

What do you consider to be your greatest skill?
Askii: In dreams, flying. In reality, cooking.
TMT: Creative thinking and travel with impractical shoes.

Name two albums you keep very close to hand.
Askii: from what my iTunes play count tells me, Vitalic's - Flashmob, and Wendy Carlos' - Switched-On Bach
TMT: Classic Grace Jones - The Universal Masters and LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver.

The road to musical success is often long and hard. What is one lesson you have learnt along the way that changed the way you saw things?
Askii: The road goes both up and down, and left and right, all the way up the mountain.
TMT: If you want to do it, go for it. Never wait for things to happen - make them happen. Being true to your own vision is the most important thing, design your own dreams.

Who inspires you? (Both in life and in music)
Askii: I'm really inspired by migrants, who leave their native countries to start a life in a completely different part of the world, but bring their cuisine & culture with them to share, and to help deal with the homesickness.
TMT: John Waters (The Film Director), Keiichi Tanaami, Le Tigre, Askii, my friends and family.

Tell us a quirky fact about yourself no one else knows!
Askii: I can do back-flips on the trampoline. All day.
TMT: I can wolf whistle.

If you could have two wishes come true what would they be?
Askii: Live in space for a bit. Own an outrageous supercar (and be able to afford to run it).
TMT: Peace on earth and a Space age house by the ocean with endless time to make art and smell the flowers with Askii.

Before you step on stage for a gig, what do you do to prepare?
Askii: Yawn. A lot. Helps my nerves.
TMT: Try to zone out Askii's yawning by doing some high kicks, jump around and then change the batteries in my Keytar... just in case.

What do your parents think of what you do? Have you ever taken them along to a gig?
Askii: My mum was always one of my greatest fans, and she was always in awe of what I did. She saw us perform at the National Gallery of Victoria once, and I think the connection with art and music finally made sense!
TMT: They love Mink Engine and are extremely supportive. They came to the National Gallery gig too, in fact so did my Grandma...

If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
Askii: Sounds corny, but making people happy.
TMT: Being a major contributor to a rich and vibrant Australian Arts landscape

Having spent so much time on aeroplanes, are you an official member of the mile high club?
We don't kiss and tell.

Mink Engine's outrageously fun debut album 'Acres of Diamonds' is out on 6th March!

Check out their Videos!

Mink Engine - Dick Chicken